WWI Flashcards
Militarism
Glorification of a strong military.
Our military is the greatest!
Nationalism
A feeling of pride & devotion to a nation.
Our country is the greatest!
Imperialism
Domination by one country over another.
We r so great dont you wanna b like us!?
Alliance Systems
A an agreement between nations to come to one anothers defense.
(Have each others back)
Triple Alliance/Central Powers
Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy
The Allies/Triple Entente
Britain, France, & Russia
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Declaration by Germany that they would attack all ships, including merchant and passenger ships. (Jan. 1917) It was one of the reasons USA went into WWI.
Total War
A total war is one in which the entire resources and population of a nation are used to fight the War. (Also involves targeting the entire population of the enemy, not just military).
Armistice
Agreement to end fighting in a war. (Nov. 1918 WWI, Germany loses)
Woodrow Wilson
US President during WWI.
Created the 14 points that eventually led to the creation of the League of Nations.
He tried very hard to stay neutral & out of the war.
Zimmerman Note
Telegram sent by Germans to encourage a Mexican attack against the United States. Intercepted by the US in 1917. In exchange for the attack,Germans promised to give Mexico back the states of Texas, AZ & NM. Drew USA into WWI.
Lusitania
A British cruise-liner sunk by the Germans (American’s died & drew USA into WWI.)
14 Points
A list of terms for resolving the WWI by President Wilson 1918. Included: Freedom of the Seas Free Trade Large scale reduction of Arms End to secret treaties Self Determination
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty signed by Germany to hold Germany solely to blame for the WWI.
The treaty 1)stripped Germany of all Army, Navy, Air-force. 2) Germany had to pay for all war damages 3) Germany had to acknowledge guilt for causing WWI 4) Germany could not manufacture any weapons.
League of Nations
Nations agreed to negotiate disputes rather than resort to war (1919). (United States refused to join)
Self-Determination
Right of people to choose their own form of government. (A principle included in Woodrow Wilsons 14 Points)
Schlieffen Plan
A German plan to quickly defeat French (western front) and then defeat Russians (eastern front) before they had time to mobilize fully. The plan failed & ultimately led to Germany’s surrender.
What were the three forces at work in Europe that helped set the stage for war?
Militarism
Imperialism
Nationalism
Who were the members of the Triple Alliance?
Germany, Austria/Hungary & Italy
Who were the members of the Triple Entente?
Britain, France, & Russia
What single event set in motion that start of WWI?
The assassination of Duke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife by a Serbian terrorist.
Why did Great Britain enter the war?
Outraged by Germany invading Belgium (& were an ally of France)
Why did Russia enter the war?
Wanted to defend Serbia (ally of France & England)
Why did a stalemate develop on the Western Front?
France & Germany’s armies had similar amounts of ammunition and strength (usd trench warfare) Neither side was able to defeat the other. (Cats game)
What factors helped prompt the United States to join the war for the Allies?
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Sinking of the Lusitania
Zimmerman Note
What was the goal of Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points?
To end WWI & future wars
What was the “war guilt” clause in the Treaty of Versailles?
A clause in the Treaty of Versailles by which Germany was responsible for WWI.
Why did the United States reject the Treaty of Versailles?
USA did not want to be involved in the League of Nations for fear that we would become responsible for defending countries in Europe & did not want its foreign policy decided by another body.
How did nationalism, imperialism, and militarism help set the stage for WWI?
Countries all thinking they & their military are the greatest & want to take over other lands.
(strut their stuff)
Where was the Western Front?
WWI battle line between of France & Germany. (used trench warfare).
Where was the Eastern Front?
WWI battle line between Russia & Germany.
What countries made up the Big Three?
USA, Great Britain, & France
In what ways was WWI a total war?
All resources were devoted to the war. Drafts in place Women working Unrestricted submarine warfare Killing/targeting civilian populations All $ goes to pay for the war
What was the purpose of the League of Nations?
To keep peace. Members (countries) would promise to respect each others’ rights and settle their differences talking & not thru fighting a war.
Alliances In Depth…
When Austria-Hungry declared war on Serbia the Russians had to honor their alliance with Serbia.
The Germans had to honor their alliance with Austria-Hungry.
France had to back up Russia via an alliance.
When the Germans invaded Belgium (a neutral French country) Britain honored their alliance with France.
